3D Printing News and Innovation

Designer Spotlight: Scott Denton

This week we are featuring Scott Denton of Likesyrup! Scott comes from an animation background, but clearly has a talent for jewelry design as well. His shop is a refreshing combination of fun, original, unique and stylish.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?

I grew up in Nashville, TN and have loved creating art from as far back as I can remember. Everything I would see or hear about I thought, ‘I think I can do something cool with that.’ I have the unfortunate disorder of being a nerd about everything. I attended Austin Peay University, majoring in Fine Art and Illustration until realizing I really wanted to get into Computer Animation. I transferred to Full Sail University in Orlando, where I completed their Computer Animation program in 2005. I moved to NYC in 2005 after accepting a job at Shilo, a local design advertising shop. After a couple of years I started freelancing in NYC as a 3D Modeler for many commercial projects.

What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?

Everything inspires me! Mostly, I just want to make things that are cool and this is a way to keep my skills sharp. Sometimes ideas come from experimenting with shape or a technique. Or I am being sentimental about a past memory or something that made me laugh. Inspiration really comes from everywhere in my life. I might be reading a book and a description of something could just give me that spark of creativity. I may be having a conversation and the same thing happens. I think most people that meet me will say I have a mischievous side, and a lot of the art I do in my free time lets me experiment with messing with others. It also stems from just having a big heart. I like making things I think the people around me would love, and they inspire me. Most of the rings on my site are named after special people in my life.

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?

I had been wanting to do 3D print stuff since I first heard about it. For whatever reason I just couldn’t get the courage up to do it until a couple months ago I had lunch with a good friend and fellow Shapie Ryan Kittleson. After seeing his prints in person I went home that day and started making rings! Now I have become hooked.

How did you learn how to design in 3D?

Designing in 3D was part of my training at Full Sail University and then just practice, practice, practice and learning from Digital Tutors, Lynda, and the numerous video all over the web, YouTube and Vimeo on my own or from others.

Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?

Everyone. I took huge inspiration from comics growing up and could list artists for days. There are a few people I consider mentors and friends that I truly respect, namely Ryan Kittleson, Steve Talkowski, Javier Leon, Michael Berger, Mitch Paone, and Melanie Palishen. These people have helped inspire me to be better at what I do and a better person. My parents and family especially continue to encourage and inspire me.

I am super fond of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, and MC Escher, and Georges Seurat. I was a massive Star Wars nerd growing up so Ralph Mcquarrie, Syd Mead, all the Henson studios stuff is a part of who I am. Stefan Sagmeister inspires me, not just for his great design but his life philosophy. Movies and toys are also a big source of inspiration.

If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?

Furniture and things that make people’s lives better. Bigger things. I’d definitely start making more toys.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:

Great photography

Fun, original designs

Experimentation with a variety of materials

Awesome logo

Shop sections

Thank you for the fun interview, Scott! Keep up the awesome work, your talents only deserve to be brought to life with 3D printing! Don’t forget to show your support on all the platforms: Twitter,Pinterest,Instagram,Tumblr,Behance,Facebook, CgTalk, and check out his site and shop. As always, to be featured, please feel free to email aimee @ shapeways.com.

I’m a jewelry designer and I need to make simple letters in circles. I have the specs and font already in illustrator. I want to make them, make molds and then cast them in different metals.
Would you be able to help? Thanks! Jemma